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City of Wollongong
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Noise Issues

Whether it's from music, air conditioners, power tools, pool pumps or other sources, excessive noise can be very disruptive.

Council can investigate reports of ongoing noise issues in line with NSW legislation. Use the button at the bottom of this page to let us know if there's a noise problem in your neighbourhood.

For one-off noises like late night parties, you should call the Police on 131 444.

Construction noise

Please see our Construction Noise page to report an issue with noise related to building work.

All other noise reports

This information may change without notice. You can also visit the NSW EPA website for more information.

Type of noise Acceptable hours
Music, drums, tvs and sound equipment 8am – midnight Friday, Saturday and the day before a public holiday.
8am -10pm any other day.
Power tools and garden equipment 8am – 8pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
7am – 8pm any other day.
Air conditioners and water heat pumps 8am – 10pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
7am – 10pm any other day.
Pumps, including swimming pool and spa pumps 8am – 8pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
7am – 8pm any other day.
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving a residential property) 8am – 8pm Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
7am – 8pm any other day
Building construction Unless a development has approval from Council for different hours, the standard hours that apply for building work are:
  • 7am to 6pm Monday to Saturday
  • No work allowed on Sunday or public holidays.

Extra restrictions can be placed on any activity that causes offensive noise. Noise is considered offensive if it unreasonably interferes with someone’s comfort or peace.

Barking dog

If your neighbour’s dog is barking and disturbing you, the first step is to talk to your neighbour if you can. They might not know there’s a problem, especially if the dog barks when they’re not home.

If the owner agrees to do something about the barking, please wait a few weeks to see if their efforts are successful. Council is also happy to provide advice on how to assist with barking dog behaviour.

If you can’t talk to your neighbour, or if their efforts don't change anything, you can also contact a Community Justice Centre. This is an independent centre that provides free mediation to help people solve disputes.

If you haven't been able to resolve the matter directly with your neighbour or through mediation, report it to Council using the button below or call us on (02) 4227 7111.

Report a barking dog
Report a barking dog

If your neighbour is making noise that disturbs you, it's a good idea to talk to them as a first step. They may not even be aware that there's a problem.

If you're not able to talk with your neighbour, or if talking with them didn't help, you can contact the Community Justice Centre (CJC). The CJC can arrange mediation between neighbours, and this can be a good way to avoid having to go through legal processes.

Report a noise issue (non-construction)
Report a noise issue (non-construction)

Where to report other noise problems

  • Noise from large industrial sites like mines or ports: contact the NSW EPA on 131 555.
  • Noise from pubs or clubs: contact Liquor and Gaming NSW.